I have watched with keen interest the brouhaha in the health sector over the past few months. As bad as this is, there have been issues raised on both sides. On social media and on newspapers, there have also been arguments for and against these contentious issues. I must say at this point that my opinions are strictly based on facts and not biased.
JOHESU is the umbrella body for joint health workers union including record officers, hospital technicians, porters and cleaners in the hospitals. The Medical Doctors are covered under the umbrella of the Nigerian Medical Association.
Let me start by saying that the strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Medical Association is clearly illegal and a gross violation of the trade union act. NMA is not a registered association and as such it is not recognized under the trade union act. This action is a violation of labour laws and must be condemned in strong terms by well meaning Nigerians. If the NMA wants to be recognized under the labour law, they should go through the due process of registration and then their actions can be justified. The era of impunity and brazen lawlessness against the Nigerian state must stop.
It must be noted at this point that the Medical Doctor is the head of the medical team and will always be. It cannot be contested for. A Medical Doctor apart from his rigorous years of training also has an in-depth knowledge about the health of a Patient when compared to allied medical professionals. Sometimes, a Medical Doctor also works round the clock in hospitals when compared to other allied health professionals. This probably makes the issue of relativity a no-go-area.
The accusation by the NMA on the issue of skipping by JOHESU members is not tenable. The issue of skipping by JOHESU members is what is required in their scheme of service. It must be noted here that during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, the federal government placed all Nigerian workers on the same salary scale, but Medical Doctors rebuffed the idea and agitated for COMESS structure for themselves. Under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, they negotiated with the government and had their way through the principle of collective bargaining, accepted the COMESS structure. JOHESU members also negotiated and got CONHESS structure for themselves.
The accusation by the NMA on skipping by JOHESU members isn’t really skipping per se. Skipping is actually when you move from level 8 to level 10 without passing through level 9. The claim by Doctors that JOHESU members skip does not hold water because that was part of the agreement reached with the government. The government was not coerced into signing the agreement. How about Medical Doctors who move from level 10 as a house officer to level 12 as a fresh medical graduate? Why hasn’t that been called skipping? The judgement of the National Industrial Court was very much expected. The court order affirmed that the principle of collective bargaining is a right and not a privilege, and the government must implement the agreement it willingly entered with the union.
The agitation by JOHESU members to be eligible to contest for the position of the Chief Medical Directors of hospitals is totally in place. The work of a Chief Medical Director is purely administrative, and has little to do with years of training in medical school. The Chief Medical Director directs responsibility for key departments like Accounts and finance, internal audit, information and communication technology unit, Public relations, engineering, planning, security services, staff development et al. The statutory role of the Chief Medical Director is that of an over-all coordinator of the entire functions of the hospital. What I however have problem with is the membership of JOHESU. Even if this request is granted, does that mean that a cleaner or a porter in a hospital will be eligible for this post too as members of the JOHESU?
The agitation by the NMA for the office of the Surgeon general of the federation is highly commendable. But the plan to exclude other allied medical professionals is totally uncalled for. In the U.S.A where they have the office of the surgeon general of the U.S Army, Medical Doctors and allied medical professionals are eligible for this post. In fact, in 2011, Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, a Nurse, was sworn in as the surgeon general of the U.S Army. Why can’t the same be obtainable in Nigeria? Didn’t we copy it from the U.S? Why is it hard to copy the template too?

On the issue of Consultancy by JOHESU members, I do not have issues with that. But JOHESU must be clear on this agitation. Let each organization that makes up JOHESU fight for themselves on this one. I see no reason why a cleaner will be fighting for a Physiotherapist to become a consultant. What sense does that make? Each organization should come out with their blueprint on why they deserve the position of a consultant and highlight the improvements it will bring on the health care system in Nigeria. Then the government can do justice to that.
Over time, what I have observed in the part of JOHESU members is inferiority complex. The Medical Doctor is the head of the hospital. Why should a Nurse be comparing his or herself with a Medical Doctor in terms of service delivery? It creates an avenue for an unhealthy rivalry in the health sector. I see JOHESU as a force intentionally created against the NMA. I’m aware we have the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN) and others. These organizations are like the NMA who can fight their own battles for themselves. Then the questions that readily comes to mind are, why JOHESU? Why the coalition against Medical Doctors? Why the involvement of cleaners, porters, hospital record officers in the membership of JOHESU? I really do hope to see a constitution guiding JOHESU one of these days. It would be interesting to read.
In conclusion, if any headway is to be made, the affected parties must sheathe their sword and come to the negotiation table for a logical end to these endless crises in the sector. Putting the lives of Patients at risk for some selfish interests is highly ridiculous, asinine and preposterous, to say the least. The plan by the government to proscribe NMA will further deepen the crisis in the sector. In fact, that will signal the beginning of the end for the sector. Government must work out modalities to address these contentious issues. The JOHESU members should also stop making this look like a fight of supremacy between them and the NMA. Be it the NMA, PSN, NSP and whatever it is, all that matters is the wellbeing of the Patient. And that is very important.
Deji Gbogi
Department of Medicine and surgery
University of Lagos.
http://edmanuelval./

He tried! (Y)

The most unbiased I've read so far. Thank you!

Very well said. The blue print for consultancy is very much in place already infact there are consultant pharmacists in some teaching hospitals and Fmc already and they attain this status through rigorous tutulage, research and exam certification by the West African post graduate college of pharmacists. But the hospital management hav refused to recognise dem let NMA and JOHESU drop sentiments and iron thins out through dialogue its the only way to avert all this bickering.

Well, I sense some objectivity in ur views.

Pple like u should be trusted with leadership roles in NMA and not the we-no-go gree faction of NMA!

The principle of give and take is the bottom line...

You can't have it all!!!

He spoke the truth.
.
I think the cap of the Health minister will fit him.

Well said, without the usual sentiments. .... Hopefully this issues will be treated reasonably.... I cant wait to resume.

Ecosol: Very well said. The blue print for consultancy is very much in place already infact there are consultant pharmacists in some teaching hospitals and Fmc already and they attain this status through rigorous tutulage, research and exam certification by the West African post graduate college of pharmacists. But the hospital management hav refused to recognise dem let NMA and JOHESU drop sentiments and iron thins out through dialogue its the only way to avert all this bickering.

A "nurse consultant" is one that assist a firm on legal matters that bothers on health HE/SHE DOES NOT WORK IN AN HOSPITAL . A "consultant pharmacist" is a pharmacist that is employed to work and assist with medications in the old people"s home NOT IN AN HOSPITAL !!!!!!!!

Wats d role of director of administration in teaching hospitals?
my dear d cmd must be grounded in all aspects of medicine, its not purely an admin position.

Ecosol: Very well said. The blue print for consultancy is very much in place already infact there are consultant pharmacists in some teaching hospitals and Fmc already and they attain this status through rigorous tutulage, research and exam certification by the West African post graduate college of pharmacists. But the hospital management hav refused to recognise dem let NMA and JOHESU drop sentiments and iron thins out through dialogue its the only way to avert all this bickering.

am sick of this consultancy thing . The way u even talked about hospital consultancy put me in no doubt that u know only but little about an hospital consultancy. The west african post graduate college of pharmacist u cited( mind u it used to be called west african pharmaceutical federation until 1997. The reason 4 d change of name ? Well u know d answer..lol )Meanwhile all the Franco fone countries that Ofcourse makes up a considerable percentage of the west african sub region pulled out of it because they didn't REALY see it's use afterall PHD in pharmacy is still obtainable in universities. Well irrespective of whatever name u call a post graduate college , it would interest u to know that it still doesn't automatically bestow upon anyone d title of a CONSULTANT!! I will xplain further, as an example,the west african college of surgeon would bestow upon u a FELLOW when u graduate therefore u automatically become a a SPECIALIST in ur chosen field but NOT A CONSULTANT. Ones u become a fellow of a post graduate college,u wil b disengaged from the hospital I.e u become unemployed. Then u may reapply to the same institution or another. If the hospital or any other organisation sees a need for ur service then they will CONSULT you. Therefore u bcome a CONSULTANT in that hospital or organisation . So let these ur pharmacist and nursing fellows u talked about agree to b disengaged from service first and then wait for the ministry of health to determine if this their "specialties" is indeed needed by the hospitals ...then they would b consulted and automatically bcome a CONSULTANT....very simple !!!!

Dude.

Chief Medical Director is a Doctor who is the Chief of Medical matters. And he is always a Doctor.

Some hospitals in developed countries have an administrative director who works in a purely administrative capacity.

The Administrative director does not have to be a doc but the CMD is always a Doc.

Lets not get this mixed up.

I know that Nigerian hospitals already have administrative positions within the board of Directors which is usually politically assigned.

The question is what do Nigerian hospitals really need? Do we really need to pay somebody else to perform in the position of an administrative director? We have too many redundant positions already. Peoplle getting paid and doing nothing. That is why I have a problem with the so called consultancy thing. In a profit oriented country, the question is what benefit will my patients get form these additional consultants?

Is the problem with Nigerian hospitals due to the fact that CMDs have been dealing with admin issues? Which I seriously doubt.

Are we having these arguments in order to improve patient care or is it based on selfish interests?

To fix a problem, you have to identify the root of the problem, otherwise you will change alternator, battery, transmission and your car will never run well.

Zeus777: am sick of this consultancy thing . The way u even talked about hospital consultancy put me in no doubt that u know only but little about an hospital consultancy. The west african post graduate college of pharmacist u cited( mind u it used to be called west african pharmaceutical federation until 1997. The reason 4 d change of name ? Well u know d answer..lol )Meanwhile all the Franco fone countries that Ofcourse makes up a considerable percentage of the west african sub region pulled out of it because they didn't REALY see it's use afterall PHD in pharmacy is still obtainable in universities. Well irrespective of whatever name u call a post graduate college , it would interest u to know that it still doesn't automatically bestow upon anyone d title of a CONSULTANT!! I will xplain further, as an example,the west african college of surgeon would bestow upon u a FELLOW when u graduate therefore u automatically become a a SPECIALIST in ur chosen field but NOT A CONSULTANT. Ones u become a fellow of a post graduate college,u wil b disengaged from the hospital I.e u become unemployed. Then u may reapply to the same institution or another. If the hospital or any other organisation sees a need for ur service then they will CONSULT you. Therefore u bcome a CONSULTANT in that hospital or organisation . So let these ur pharmacist and nursing fellows u talked about agree to b disengaged from service first and then wait for the ministry of health to determine if this their "specialties" is indeed needed by the hospitals ...then they would b consulted and automatically bcome a CONSULTANT....very simple !!!!

E no hard! Sheybi it's due process u're clamouring for, e no hard! But to come and say consultant pharmacists don't work in hospitals or they don't exist, fear God nw!

Zeus777: A "nurse consultant" is one that assist a firm on legal matters that bothers on health HE/SHE DOES NOT WORK IN AN HOSPITAL . A "consultant pharmacist" is a pharmacist that is employed to work and assist with medications in the old people"s home NOT IN AN HOSPITAL !!!!!!!!

We also have clinical nurse consultants and not just legal nurse consultants. You guys just chose to concentrate on the legal aspect of it.
http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/nursing/careers-in-nursing/nurse-consultants/
http://www.nursing-career-hub.com/Nurse-Consultant.html
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/hcci/consultants.asp
http://work.chron.com/clinical-nurse-consultant-13912.html
A nurse consultant must not be a legal nurse consultant. The first link I have shared is from UK which we copy. Check who a nurse consultant is and what he/she does in NHS and other countries.

prettyprettywow: We also have clinical nurse consultants and not just legal nurse consultants. You guys just chose to concentrate on the legal aspect of it.
http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/nursing/careers-in-nursing/nurse-consultants/
http://www.nursing-career-hub.com/Nurse-Consultant.html
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/hcci/consultants.asp
http://work.chron.com/clinical-nurse-consultant-13912.html
A nurse consultant must not be a legal nurse consultant. The first link I have shared is from UK which we copy. Check who a nurse consultant is and what he/she does in NHS and other countries.

No where was it stated that a nurse consultant works full time in the hospital.

whether full time or part time, she is still a consultant. She must spend atleast 50% of her time in clinicals and 50% in research which is perfect for such position. Nobody spends 100% time in the clinic. After all, we are talking about tertiary institutions here where research should be encouraged. Atleast,you agree that we have clinical nurse consultants. So is the problem now whether they work full time or that they don't exist?

armadeo:


No where was it stated that a nurse consultant works full time in the hospital.

prettyprettywow: whether full time or part time, she is still a consultant. She must spend atleast 50% of her time in clinicals and 50% in research which is perfect for such position. Nobody spends 100% time in the clinic. After all, we are talking about tertiary institutions here where research should be encouraged. Atleast,you agree that we have clinical nurse consultants. So is the problem now whether they work full time or that they don't exist?

The nurse consultant stuff cannot work here. The term as described in your links indicated a specialist who is called upon to aid in training of nurses in the system, and also as consultants in settings where there is unavailability of primary care physician.

What I can conclude is that they are based in the primary health care facility. Secondary and tertiary are out of it.

PS humor me and educate me on the the role a nurse consultant would play in the tertiary institution. Taking into consideration that most nurses have already trained in these areas.
What value would it add to the general improvement in service delivery.

armadeo:

The nurse consultant stuff cannot work here. The term as described in your links indicated a specialist who is called upon to aid in training of nurses in the system, and also as consultants in settings where there is unavailability of primary care physician.

What I can conclude is that they are based in the primary health care facility. Secondary and tertiary are out of it.

PS humor me and educate me on the the role a nurse consultant would play in the tertiary institution. Taking into consideration that most nurses have already trained in these areas.
What value would it add to the general improvement in service delivery.

So clinical nurse consultants even exist? Thought you guys said there is nothing like that? Don't we want international best practice again? or we shout international best practice only when it will favor us?read the links again and then watch the accompanying video in the first link about the critical care nurse consultant and his work. Then tell me if they have intensive care unit in a primary health care facility. The speaker also works at university college hospital london, Is that a primary health care center? Since nurse consultants are called to aid in the training of student nurses, then Where do they train student nurses if not in a teaching hospital? Consultant nurse's work is nursing and not medicine. The earlier you understand that, the better for you. We have critical nurse consultants. burns and plastic NC, pains,wound and stress NC, oncology nurse consultants, and their work is to the patient. Are these areas not core nursing areas? Are you saying that they can never be useful in a specialist hospital or that they work they do makes no sense?

You should be concerned that Nigeria has only 47,000 physicians for a population of 170million, and yet you want to deny them access to safe and quality healthcare all in the name of turf war. You should be advocating for better training of these specialists, in other to provide safe care and not try to deny their existence. NIGER I HAIL THEE

prettyprettywow: So clinical nurse consultants even exist? Thought you guys said there is nothing like that? Don't we want international best practice again? or we shout international best practice only when it will favor us?read the links again and then watch the accompanying video in the first link about the critical care nurse consultant and his work. Then tell me if they have intensive care unit in a primary health care facility. The speaker also works at university college hospital london, Is that a primary health care center? Since nurse consultants are called to aid in the training of student nurses. then Where do they train student nurses if not in a teaching hospital? Consultant nurse's work is nursing and not medicine. The earlier you understand that, the better for you. We have critical nurse. burns and plastic, pains,wound and stress, oncology nurse consultants, and their work is to the patient. Are these areas not core nursing areas? Are you saying that they can never be useful in a specialist hospital or that they work they do is makes no sense?

You should be concerned that Nigeria have only 47,000 physicians for a population of 170million, and yet you want to deny them access to a quality healthcare all in the name of turf war. You should be advocating for better training of these specialists, in other to provide safe care and not try to deny their existence. NIGER I HAIL THEE

Mobile now.will give response once I get home.

However there are no nurse consultants here.

Primary health care center provider is different from primary care provider( first contact care giver).

Just an observation. Who is Deji Gbogi and which department in the University of Lagos is called Department of Medicine and Surgery. I am positive no such department exists. There is a dept of medicine and another dept of surgery but the two dept don't go together as one. I therefore conclude that "Deji Gbogi" is not from any dept of medicine and surgery but used that to lend credibility to the write up pretending to be a doctor whereas he is a johesu apologist. About the write up on a closer look, I feel it is part of the johesu half truth laden propaganda.

i think the mere formation of johesu, a dollection ofmstrange bedfellows, is enough to know the reason why all the brouhaha is happening.
i tire o!
I think the solution to this nonsense is to simply privatise the whole hospitals.After that, anybody can be anyhing he wants to call himself.
Nigeria is a mad place. Ssanu wants to be same as ASUU, poly wants to be same as university, college of education wants to be equated with university education degrees, traditional birth attendants want to be equated with nurses, technologists want to be equal to pathologists, state govt employees want the same salary with federal govt workers..... Nigeria is a mad house!!!!!

Morotov1: Primary health care center provider is different from primary care provider( first contact care giver).

Care to expantiate on this.

magnusalbertus: Wats d role of director of administration in teaching hospitals?
my dear d cmd must be grounded in all aspects of medicine, its not purely an admin position.

dnt b sure ova wot u cant prove cos av seen their job description and its purely administrative.

Samgreguc:
dnt b sure ova wot u cant prove cos av seen their job description and its purely administrative.

So?

We can keep going on and on about this but the truth is the MD's and the Pharms, Nurses will both maintain their positions no matter how convincing your argument is so what is the point then?

armadeo:

So?

u knw its purely administrative.

Samgreguc:
u knw its purely administrative.

And again I ask so?

armadeo:

And again I ask so?

so, whoever the cap fits on d ground of admin. qualification shud wear it.

Samgreguc:
so, whoever the cap fits on d ground of admin. qualification shud wear it.

The cap fits the DR.

armadeo:



The cap fits the DR.

Joker!

Ochek:

Joker!

That's my opinion what's yours.